I'm a vegan of about 3 years. Shortly after going vegan I lost a lot of weight - 58 kgs (around 128 lbs) at my lowest.About a year ago, and after dislocating my shoulder, I decided that it was time for me to grow some muscles, both for my shoulder's sake and because I wanted to defy the skinny-vegan stereotype.

I started with 65 kgs (143lbs)-bodyweight and a very convoluted workout. I have only been able to workout with a pair of dumbells, a backpack full of everything I could put on it, a multi-purpose machine at my building's "gym" at first (before the rope got cut) and everything else I could do with my own bodyweight. My goal was to gain 10kgs-bodyweight by the end of the year.

A friend took some pictures of me on April last year (after two months working out), but the sucker didn't send them to me and he's on Spain now, so the 'before' pics will have to wait.

I did reach my goal of gaining 10 kgs. by mid-November, but I've lost a little weight after that because of traveling overseas (not working out and eating poorly), not working out due to a tendinitis after that, and not much working out since due to sheer laziness. I haven't checked, but I might be weighing around 73 kgs (161 lbs.)

Took these pictures on February 26 (day before the huge earthquake here.)

So, now I'm going to join a gym at last, and begin with the 'Starting Strength' program. I hope to post some progress on the upcoming months.

My goal is to get stronger and gain at least 5 kgs. in the next 3 months or so. After that I'll try to get ripped (which will probably be the biggest challenge for me.)

Feel free to comment and advice critically! I know I have to train my legs harder (I've always been lazy on them). I also have weak/skinny calves and forearms though I'll put some blame on my genes for that.On these pictures it does look like my right-side is bigger in general, though I don't know if the lighting might be responsible for some of that. And of course, I have a lot of fat that could be gone, but I'll work on that later.

Nice guns!how are you and your fellow Chileans doing after the quake?Looking forward to seeing some more gain,and the weight loss is awesome.

Happiness is a personal choice!I am the sole source of all my sadness and joy."The logic of worldly success rests on afallacy: the strange error that our perfectiondepends on the thoughts andopinions and applause of other men."Source: Thomas Merton